Man City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernández has refused to disappear, despite Chelsea attempting to bring the saga to an early conclusion.
Interest first gathered pace after Enzo Maresca left Stamford Bridge to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca enjoyed a strong relationship with Fernandez during his time in west London, helping Chelsea win the Conference League and Club World Cup.
The Italian reportedly identified the Argentina international as one of his preferred midfield additions soon after taking charge at City.
A potential move has also been connected to Rodri’s move to Barcelona as City continue reshaping their midfield following Guardiola’s departure, with Nico Gonzalez also on his way to Newcastle and Tijjani Reijnders joining Al-Qadsiah.
Chelsea’s position initially appeared firm.
The Blues value Fernandez at £120 million, only slightly above the £106.8 million package agreed with Benfica in January 2023.
They also hold considerable contractual protection, with the midfielder tied to Stamford Bridge until 2032. However, Chelsea wanted clarity before the season began and set interested clubs a strict deadline.
City were told to submit an acceptable proposal by 5pm on Friday, August 14, with Chelsea privately communicating their required payment structure.
That deadline passed without an offer arriving.
Chelsea subsequently expected Fernandez to stay for the entire campaign and withdrew the terms previously offered to interested parties.
Yet, City did not completely end their interest.
The Sky Blues have also agreed a deal for Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, although he is viewed as a separate addition rather than an established replacement for Rodri.
Fabrizio Romano has now provided the clearest indication yet that the Fernandez saga is moving again.
Enzo Fernández green-lights move to Man City with bid incoming
The transfer reporter claims Fernandez has now given his green-light to joining City and reuniting with Maresca.
City are preparing to make an offer, leaving Chelsea to decide whether their earlier deadline remains meaningful or whether they will reopen negotiations.
Fernandez’s approval removes one potential obstacle, but it does not guarantee a deal by any means.
Chelsea still want approximately £120 million and would need enough time to recruit a replacement before the window closes on September 1.
Adam Wharton, Manu Kone, Alex Scott and Eduardo Camavinga have all been mentioned as potential options, although completing another major midfield deal at short notice would be difficult.
Losing Fernandez would also represent a significant call for new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso.
The 25-year-old can control possession from deep, play through pressure and contribute around the penalty area. Maresca understands those qualities better than most after giving Fernandez greater attacking freedom at Chelsea.
That familiarity explains why City are prepared to revisit a transfer that appeared finished less than two weeks ago.
Chelsea now face a difficult choice.
They can enforce their deadline and retain one of their most important players, or accept a huge offer and attempt to rebuild their midfield during the final days of the window.
